Impact 16th September
Rule of six? According to the Home Secretary, if two families meet in the street and chatted, if there were more than 6 people including children, it would be breaking the rule and they could be fined. She says she would phone the police if she saw her neighbours with more than 6 people. People living in her area are angry with her comments.
UK virus number are increasing – average 3 thousand a day (see graph).
The Health Secretary now says that the problems in testing will go on for several weeks. People in Bolton and Rochdale which have the most virus cases have been going to hospital A&E departments to try to get help. Local Councils say that if there is one day of delay in getting test, that could mean hundreds more people get infections. There is a big worry that teachers and NHS workers will stay at home waiting to get a test, even though they do not have the virus. They must get tests immediately.
Research on mental health finds that stress and anxiety are worse in lockdown. A study of 3,000 people found that young people, women and people in the high risk category for virus had the most problems. They were worried about catching the virus. Women had special problems because of job worries, loneliness and also because of violence at home.
Nearly half of FE and sixth form colleges have needed financial help over the last years because of funding cuts by the Government. Over £700 million has been given out. This is before the virus and it looks likely that many more colleges will need help if they are to continue to teach people. Government now says they are helping and will give extra money in 2020-2021.
